Things to do at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the main international airport of the Netherlands. It is located 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of Amsterdam city, and is the third-busiest airport in Europe.
Whether you only have an hour to spare before your flight or you are spending at long layover at the airport, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has an option for you.
Things to do at AMS
Workout at the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport
Use your airport downtime to maintain your fitness routine by heading to the gym at the Sheraton. This gym offers a variety of cardio and fitness equipment perfect for all types of various fitness routines. Work up a sweat then take a refreshing shower so that you free fresh and energized before your flight. Sanctifly members can use points to get access to the Sheraton leisure facilities.
The Hotel is directly connected to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol via a covered walkway.
Schiphol Airport has lots of shower options available to traveling passengers. There are free showers available after security on the upper level of Lounge 2. Follow the signs for the First Aid Station. There are no towels or toiletries available so make sure you bring your own.
The Aspire Lounge 41 in Terminal 2 also has shower facilities. They cost an extra €17.50 on top of the cost of entering the lounge to use. Sanctifly members can use points to get access to the lounge however you will need to pay the shower fee.
Download the Sanctifly app to explore all the facilities available to Sanctifly members.
Melt away the stress and tension of traveling with one of the exclusive XpresSpa massage or facial treatments. With treatments ranging from 15 minutes to 90 minutes, no matter how much time you have to spare, XpresSpa has an option for you. Make the most of your airport downtime and use it to treat yourself to a relaxing and pampering experience.
There are a number of XpresSpa locations at AMS. All are located after security. Find them at Lounge 2, Level 2, Lounge 3, Level 1 and D Pier, Level 1. All are open daily from 07:00 – 21:00.
Free things to do at AMS
Relax in ‘Nature’ in the Airport Park
Enjoy the feeling of being outside without leaving the terminal by heading to the Airport Park. Relax in the comfortable seating, surrounded by plants and trees as birdsong plays in the background. If you want to burn up some energy hop on the exercise bikes and pedal to charge your phone. The Airport Park is a great option is the weather is bad and you cannot get outside in the fresh air. Open daily from 09:00 – 17:00.
Located after security in Lounge 1.
Meditate in the Meditation Center
It’s easy to feel lost in the bustle of an airport. The Meditation Centre is a non-denominational and interfaith space, where you can pray, meditate, or just relax in silence. There are also regular services and an on-site library for your enjoyment. The centre is open daily for 24 hours.
The Meditation Centre can be found at Lounge 2, 2nd floor after security.
Get some fresh air on the Panorama Terrace
The Panorama Terrace is an outdoor area located after security in AMS. It overlooks the runway and is a great spot to relax and get some fresh air while you are waiting for your flight. During the winter the Terrace is open from 09:00 – 17:00 and during the summer it is open from 07:00 – 21:00. Why not use this nice, outdoor space to stretch and move your body before catching your flight.
In Departure Hall 1, take the stairs at desk 1 to the second floor and follow the footbridge to the Panorama Terrace.
Best Eats at AMS
Quick bite: Health Food Wall Plaza
Grab a quick and healthy snack at the Health Food Wall Plaza before catching your flight. This unique vending machine lets you choose from nutritious vegetarian and vegan dishes created specially by a dietitian. The best part is that it is open 24 hours so you can get a healthy snack no matter what time you get to the airport. Located in the Plaza, before security.
If you are looking for a more filling meal head to La Place. A unique cross between a market and a restaurant, La Place is a self-service dining experience with lots of freshly made, locally sourced dishes available to choose from. There are two locations in the airport. Find one before security in the Plaza, open from 07:00-21:00. The other is after security in Lounge 1, open from 04:00 – 21:00.
Luggage storage at AMS
Temporarily store your luggage at Baggage Storage. Open 24 hours, prices start from €6 per item and vary depending on the size and shape of the luggage. There is an option to store your suit or other clothing items for just €2.50.
Alternatively, you can use the 7-day storage lockers located at the gates. This is a better option if you just want to store your carry-on for a few hours.
Located both before security at Kelderplein and after security on Holland Boulevard, Lounge 1, 2 and 3.
Long Layover at AMS
Het Amsterdamse Bos is a large park with a forest, canal, farm and walking/running trails. The park is approx. 2,500 acres and is a popular recreation and leisure spot close to Schiphol Airport. Free plays and concerts are regularly out on throughout the park. Check out the website to see if there are any interesting events to attend while you are visiting. Even if there are no events on the park is still a great spot to spend your airport downtime without heading into central Amsterdam.
Located approx. 7 miles from the airport. There are no direct public transport routes available from the airport. The easiest way to get to the park is via taxi.
The Floating Dutchman is a canal bus that you can catch right from the airport. Experience Amsterdam in a unique way by touring the canals of Amsterdam on a water bus. The tour takes approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes. You need to have a layover of at least 4 hours in order to get out of the airport, take the tour and get back through security in time for your flight. Catch the bus tour from Schiphol Plaza.
If you have a long layover at AMS why not head downtown and explore the city? Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is located less than 10 miles from central Amsterdam and is well connected by public transport routes. There are lots of museums and iconic landmarks to explore in Amsterdam or you could spend a lovely afternoon strolling through the city and enjoying the unique architecture. Make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to the airport and through security before your flight.
Transport Options
Bus: The bus terminal is right outside Schiphol Plaza. The Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) will take your direct to central Amsterdam.
Train: The NS train station is located below the terminal building. You can hop on a train and get to downtown Amsterdam in just 20 minutes.
If you intend on exploring Amsterdam for the day, consider getting an Amsterdam Travel Ticket. You can hop on and off almost all public transport in the city. A one-day ticket will cost €17 per person.
Overnight Layover?
If you have an overnight stay at Schiphol, get a good night’s rest at YOTELAIR. The innovative cabins are modeled on the experience of a first-class private airline cabin, offering luxurious beds, a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi and en-suite bathroom. Located on the upper level of Lounge 2 in piers D and E, next to the food court. Located past security. You will need to have a valid boarding pass to access this location.
To discover everything there is to do at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport download the Sanctifly app today and start exploring!
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